More than 35,000 people are expected to attend Cumbria’s biggest fireworks display and bonfire at Carlisle today (Saturday, 4th November).
Organised by Cumberland Council, the Bitts Park-based event is set to get underway at 6-30pm.
It will feature more than 2,000 fireworks, set to music, which will light up the night sky.
Organised by Merlin Fireworks Ltd, it will be the 34th fireshow to be held in Bitts Park. Castle car park (formerly known as Devonshire Walk car park) will act as a “fireshow village”, offering food and entertainment to families attending the fireshow between 5pm and 8-30pm.
Visitors to this year’s show are being asked to dig into the bottom of their pockets and support local charities.
Although the event is free to attend, a charity collection is held each year. All donations go towards the Rotary in Carlisle; the Great North Air Ambulance Service, the charity supported by the chair of Cumberland Council, Carni McCarron-Holmes; and the mayor of Carlisle Abdul Harid’s chosen charities, Cash for Kids, Carlisle Foodbank and Carlisle One World Centre.
There will be a special viewing area for people with disabilities.
Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s executive member for vibrant and healthy places, said: “This year’s event will celebrate the Cumberland area and its communities. As well as a 40ft bonfire, there will be thousands of fireworks and it is set to be a must-see event not to be missed.”
In Eden, a number of bonfire night events are taking place. On 4th November, a bonfire at Bolton memorial field will be lit at 6pm, with fireworks from 6-30pm. Food and a bar will be available, with live music afterwards in the New Crown Inn.
A bonfire and fireworks event is also being held at Park Foot Holiday Park, near Ullswater, on 4th November from 5pm. A spokesman said: “TJ’s Bar and Restaurant are hosting a bonfire and firework display. The bonfire will be lit at 7pm and the fireworks are from 7-30pm.
“There will also be live music from local band The Hoo at 8pm.”
On 5th November, the event at Maulds Meaburn village institute will start at 6pm. The bar opens at 6pm with food served at 7pm.
There is also an event on 5th November at Mill Yard, Morland. There will be tasty treats and mulled wine served from 5-30pm.
